by Natalie Nguyen
You win some, you tie some.
Just ask the Comox Valley Kickers, who had mixed results against the Castaway Wanderers in men’s and women’s rugby action last weekend.
This past Saturday saw both Kickers teams take on the Wanderers on two different pitches.
The women’s team hosted the Wanderers at Cumberland Village Park while the men’s team travelled to Windsor Park in Victoria.
It was a case of déjà vu for the women as it was the second time this season that these two teams faced
off against each other.
The Kickers won the previous game 45-29 and the Castaway squad was out for redemption.
This was an exciting back and forth game full of big hits, long runs and sound set pieces.
After each score, both teams kept their foot on the gas pedal to keep the pressure on, making it a game of who wanted it more.
The Kickers were able to take advantage of the opportunities provided and were able to move the
ball in contact with support.
Winger Carlie Beaulieu scored two tries with flyhalf Kara Galbraith and flankers Michelle Johnson and Kaitlyn Jinda each scoring once.
Scrumhalf Paula Simpson added two tries and successfully converted four kicks for a 43-30 win.
“This was a good game for us as it confirmed our strengths and exposed our weaknesses. We allowed
(the Wanderers) to score back to back tries on us by missing our initial tackles. We need to be quicker in the rucks to maintain possession as when we had the ball, beautiful things happened. Our handling was on point and the backs utilized their speed to get the ball out wide to score. Our scrums were strong; we didn’t lose any of our put-ins.”
“All in all, I am very happy with how the ladies played. Our next match up will have us travelling to
Victoria to play against the Westshore Valkyries. They will be strong competition, but I believe we will
be up to the task.”
Meanwhile, the Kickers men met up with the Wanderers for the first time this season.
This was a very evenly matched game with the teams battling to a 31-31 draw.
Inside centre Brandon Hudson scored a hat trick of tries with outside centre Jimmy Blazier scoring twice.
Flyhalf Kyle Hall made three conversions.
“This game was a big improvement from our previous games. We played with more conviction. Our
sets were strong and steady, and we ran the ball well,” Kickers coach Dan Mills said.
This Saturday, the women’s team have a bye while the men’s team will host the Port Alberni Black Sheep at Cumberland Village Park. Kick-off is at 1:00pm.
Both teams are still recruiting players for the season. No experience is needed.
Practices are held at Cumberland Village Park on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
For more information, visit comoxvalleyrugby.ca or email [email protected].
